2004: A Record Year for ATA Carnets

Recent service upgrades mean “merchandise passports” are poised for yet further growth

New York, N.Y., March 1, 2004 – Reflecting a surge U.S. business activity overseas, use of ATA Carnets by American companies hit an all-time high in 2004, according to the United States Council for International Business (USCIB), which administers the temporary export system in the U.S.

Often called “merchandise passports,” Carnets are internationally recognized customs documents for temporary duty-free export of commercial samples, professional equipment and goods displayed at trade shows.  Companies around the world use them to reduce costs and speed global operations.

Just over 15,000 Carnets were issued last year by USCIB and its service providers.  This represented an increase of 5.4 percent over 2003, the fastest growth in more than five years.

Cynthia Duncan, USCIB’s vice president for Carnet operations, attributed the rapid growth to a combination of factors.

“Exports are surging as the U.S. and global economies pick up steam,” she said.  “And companies are increasing their overseas marketing efforts to take advantage of the dollar’s decline.”

The new A4 ATA Carnet has been lauded by users for its portability.

Carnets are accepted in over 75 countries, and the global ATA Carnet system is overseen by the Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the World Customs Organization. The acronym “ATA” is a combination of the French and English abbreviations for “temporary admission.”

Last December, USCIB began instituting a number of new procedures, including a redesigned Carnet form, to better meet the needs of Carnet users and to ensure the smooth functioning of the growing international network of countries accepting ATA Carnets.

These service improvements have won applause from longtime users.

“The launch of online carnet application has been one of the fastest and most accurate tools of my daily work routine,” according to Despina Georgiadis, inventory controller with jewelers Harry Winston. “Our company utilizes carnets on a frequent and last-minute basis.  The entire online application experience is user-friendly and quick. Each Carnet application takes less than a minute.”

According to USCIB’s Ms. Duncan, the wholesale switch to an online application process means faster processing and additional services for Carnet users.

“Because of this, we are forecasting further increase in the number of Carnets issued, as improvements in both the front and back ends of the system kick in.”

USCIB promotes an open system of world trade, finance and investment. Its membership includes some 300 leading U.S. companies, professional services firms and associations whose combined annual revenues exceed $3 trillion. With a unique network of affiliations to international business groups, USCIB facilitates international trade by issuing and guaranteeing ATA Carnets, and by promoting international cooperation in such areas as customs policies and commercial dispute resolution.